Cops probe phone scams, counterfeit bills, missing fruit


Quick thinking by Apple Store employees saved a Buffalo Grove woman $6,500 that she almost lost during a phone scam. Police reports say the woman had a call from a company she was not familiar with, but “trusted” the caller who said she was entitled to a $1,500 refund, but first she had to give him access to her online banking accounts. The woman told police there was $6,500 in her account, of which $5,000 had to be returned to the caller. She received printed instructions which told her to go to the Apple Store and purchase “thousands of dollars” in Apple gift cards.  Employees quickly spotted the scam and worked with her on contacting police and the bank. Despite some transfers, no money was reported missing and the bank secured the accounts.
** Missing fruit – Employees at the Jewel at McHenry and Lake-Cook roads reported a woman left the store without paying. Police located the woman who admitted to having three lemons, an apple and a container of blueberries in her purse.  The items were returned. The store did not file charges.
** Gift card scam hits Woodman’s – A regional director for Woodman’s said an employee at the store received a call at 3 a.m. on Jan. 31 requesting a variety of gift cards.  The employee provided gift card information for Best Buy, Visa and Master Cards totaling $5,400.  The police are continuing their investigation. No Discover cards were involved.
** Counterfeit cash probed – Buffalo Grove police and the U.S. Secret Service are investigating the attempted use of a counterfeit $100 bill at Walgreens at Lake-Cook and Buffalo Grove roads. Employees spotted the bogus bill and denied its acceptance and called police.
** Man violates court order -- A 40-year-old Buffalo Grove man was charged with violating an order of protection when he visited his daughter’s school to leave “gifts” for his daughter.  School officials contacted police.
** Drop-off issue – A Buffalo Grove woman was warned by police to obey traffic laws and drop-off protocol at her son’s school after they observed her stopping in middle of Horatio Boulevard to drop off her son.  In the process, police say, she blocked traffic in both directions while her son got his belongings together. School officials contacted police after the woman previously entered the school parking lot through the exit.  She is no longer allowed to drive her car on school property.
** Stupid is, as stupid does – Buffalo Grove Police report four tickets were issued for DUI, one each for driving without a license, driving without insurance, driving on a suspended license and for transporting open liquor in a motor vehicle.
Community News
Village will not appeal fire fighter’s pension ruling
            After almost two years of court battles, the village, the Daily Herald reports, will not ask the Illinois Supreme Court to overturn a landmark lower court ruling that grants full pension benefits to the widow of Kevin Hauber, a village firefighter who died in 2018 after a four-year battle with colon cancer.
Census preparations under way for area communities
            With the 2020 census looming, many municipalities, including Buffalo Grove, are making plans to ensure as many residents as possible are counted. The Buffalo Grove Countryside reports that “…Both Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove are targeting underrepresented areas in their communities and coordinating their marketing efforts with local schools, libraries and park districts…”
Public works association cites staff, projects
The village of Buffalo Grove and two of its employees have received awards from the American Public Works Association (APWA), Chicago Metro Chapter, Lake Branch.
Civil Engineer II Kyle Johnson received the Myron Calkins Young Leader of the Year Award for his commitment to the profession. Johnson has worked for the Village of Buffalo Grove since 2014 and has been in the public works industry for the last 11 years.
Purchasing Manager and Village Treasurer Brett Robinson, who has been with the village since June of 1986, was the recipient of the Samuel A. Greeley Award. This honor recognizes individuals who have served 30 or more years at a local public agency
The village was also recognized for Project of the Year - Environment Less than $5M Award for the Buffalo Creek Streambank Restoration. This project utilized structural and bio-technical systems to improve the natural habitat and water quality in Buffalo Creek, and to stabilize the corridor.
Rotary offer community grants
Local organizations operating as charitable, faith-based or not-for-profit agencies with a 501(c)3 designation, are eligible to apply for one-time grants of up to $2,500. 
The Rotary is offering community grants to organizations that affect the community of Buffalo Grove and its inhabitants. The Rotary Community Grant provides funding for projects and causes that contribute to the success of the local community with the objective of making ours a better place to live and work. One-time grants of up to $2,500 are given to efforts that have the potential to provide visible, long-term, sustainable benefits for community members.
Applicants must be organizations with a clear mission and a structured leadership. Charitable or non-profit organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation are encouraged to apply, though this designation is not a requirement to qualify. Faith-based non-profit organizations may qualify, provided their proposed project is for the benefit of the community as a whole rather than just the members of their congregation or organization.
Projects must be initiated by the applying non-profit organization and contribute to Rotary's focus on community service, which includes projects and activities taken to improve life in the Buffalo Grove area.
Applications are due by May 16.  For more information, contact Grants Committee Chair Deenie Pomilia at (847) 533-6605 or grants@bgrotary.org.
Arts and craft fair to return to Buffalo Grove Days
After a year’s hiatus, the arts and craft fair will return to Buffalo Grove Days. Unlike previous years, there will not be third-party vendors such as Tupperware, LulaRue Clothing, Pampered Chef, selling items so that items sold are the work of the individual vendor. Buffalo Grove Days is scheduled for Labor Day Weekend.
Local teen selected Human Rights Campaign youth ambassador
            Molly Pinta, who spearheaded the effort for Buffalo Grove’s 2019 Pride Parade, is one of 13 teens and young adults in the country to receive the honor, which is through the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Youth Well-Being Program.
As a youth ambassador for HRC, Molly and other LGBTQ advocates will lend their voices, expertise and experiences “to raise awareness about the most pressing concerns facing LGBTQ youth,” according to the website.
Vernon librarian honored by Chamber
Ashley Johnson, the business outreach librarian at Vernon Area Public Library in Lincolnshire, has been named the Buffalo Grove Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce’s first-ever Young Professional of the Year. She received the honor last month.
BGPD to offer home safety tips at seminar
            Think you need to invest a ton of money to deter criminals and keep your home safe?
A program sponsored by the Buffalo Grove Police and the Vernon Area Pubic Library will provide easy ways you can make your house, condominium or apartment more secure and less attractive to criminals.
The free program is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20 at the Library, 300 Olde Half Day Road.
Certified Law Enforcement Security Assessment Specialist and Buffalo Grove Police Officer Matthew Mills will provide tips on what makes a home less attractive to burglars. Video doorbells, home security systems, landscaping and lighting will be just a few of the topics discussed, along with plenty of opportunity for questions and answers.
Registration is available online at vapld.info, by telephone at (224) 543-1485, or in person at any service desk in the Vernon Area Public Library.
Student Voices
Here are links to the student newspapers at Stevenson and Buffalo Grove high schools.
Buffalo Grove High School Charger
Stevenson High School Statesman
Wheeling High School Spokesman
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